Thomas County cat. [volume] (Colby, Kan.) 1885-1891, 1887-01-13
SHE FORGAVE THEM.
The Trials of an Aunt with Her
FaVOritea

- oVSAASS
1t was chilly December night when
the train got INTO Hampton. Hamp-
den was one of those new, unfinished
places which require the brightest OF
sunlight, the grecnest frame of culver
ing leaves, to make them ut all pre-
sentable. And in the gray uncompro-
missing medium of the December dusk
Hampden looked dreary enough, with
the dark chimney of the new silk mill
rising out of the hcmlock woods, the
staring depot. the church. which bore
a strong family resemblance to child s
wooden toy. and the stone quarry to
the left, which reminded the thought
full looker-on of gigantic fertilization
in an unfinished state.
'.Humph!' said Mrs. Medley. as she
looked around her. "A queer place"
Her niece, Phebe, was there to meet
her with bOX-wagon and a white
noscd old horse.
Folks cant always choose where
they re to i've" said Phcbe, who was
always in 4 state of antagonism to Mrs.
Medley, land Hampden Is good enough
for me.
How is Philip" asked Mrs. Ned
ley.
Philip is WELL" said Phebe, as she
helped the depot boy to hoist Aunt
Ncdley's trunk into the wagon.
Philip Barrow was M:,s. Medley s
favorite nephew. She had paid his
bills at school. superintendent his fort
unes. and finally purchased a share
tor him in the new silk mills.
He all I've got" SAID Mrs. Ned
Icy, Except Phebe. and Phebe and /
never did hitch homes together. And
/ want him to succeed in the world. !"
But within a few DAYS new claim
ant had arisen to Aunt Nedley's pro-
lection and tender consideration.
10 be sure. she is no relation to
me-" said Mrs. Medley. but her moth
er was my dearest friend, and l think
! will adopt her for my sake.
And it was scarcely an hour from
the time in which she learned Sylvia
Gray was an orphan that she wrote "a
Kind letter to the girl inviting her to
come TO the east for visit.
III you ike it. my dear, there need
be no occasion for your going back, y
she wrote. I'VE are both alone. Let
us be companions to one another"
She had waited and waited, and no
reply had arrived; and, while she
waited. a plan had developed itself in
her mind.
If >he is her mothers daughter
she can't help being pretty said
Mrs. Medley. phil is handsome
lad. She shall marry Phil!''
And this explains Mrs. Medley
presence at Hampdcn.
Il suppose YOU are still Keeping
house for Philip" said Mrs. Medley,
as they drove along il. the chill twi-
hight.
Mo-" said Phebe. skillfully guild
ing the old horse down a steep place
in the road.
- He boards, eh?" said Mrs. Ned
ley.
mo. he don't board" answered
Phcbe; Ibis wife keeps house for
him."
WHAT" said Mrs. Medley.
'.He is married." announced Phebe
very much in the tone in which she
might have said: lit is 4 cold even
ing" or. The train is late"
philip marri6d"' repeated the ola
lady; - married! Stop. Phebe; don't
take ME step further! Turn around
at once. Take NE back to the station.
I'll return to Concord"
..Ain't you going to see Philip"
asked Phebe.
Not if he is married." answered
Mrs. Medley, in choked voice.
Hes got proper. nice wife, )"
pleaded Phcbc. You'll like her."
mo. l sha'n't.' said Mrs. Medley.
..Philip-married. Pnebc. if you don t
turn around Til get out and walk"
Mrs. Nedlcy's will was like adamant.
and Phebe Barrow was forced to sue
.cumb toit
And SO it happened that Phebe and
the white-noSed pony arrived. solitary
and alone. ut the little cottage of
the mill superintendent half an hour
later.
Phil came out into the porch. carry
ing lamp in his hand.
Mrs. Phil ran after him with pink
arron tied around her trim waist and
her brown fringe of hair towing back
from her forehead.
where's my aunt?" said Phil, as
Phebe jumped out didn't she
Gomez
...but she's gone back again"